Seattle Country Day School

Our child has really thrived at SCDS; the individualized attention towards math and language arts has been amazing, as each child can progress at his/her own level. The teachers have been more than responsive and communicate very well with parents. Thanks SCDS!
--Submitted by a parent

ive gone to this school since kindergarten and it was one of the best experiences of my life. i moved ot a girls school in nyc that is also highly rated, but the social interactions and cultural influence of SCDS rival none. It is a truly wonderful school with fabulous teachers while it may be a bit week in the sector of economically and socially diverse parents. Ive only been gone for two months and its just 7th grade but i miss it so much, amazing school...

For the right child who has focus and intellectual curiousity, this is the perfect school. Inquiry based learning gives these kids the chance to explore their quest for high level knowledge about a huge variety of subjects from science to art to math to literature. The teachers are also highly capable and independent which makes for an interesting mix. It isn't the right school for everyone, but for us, it was perfect.
--Submitted by a parent

I've never thought K-5 education was all that important for bright, capable kids, that they'd basically find their way. The decision to go to a private school rather than our perfectly acceptable neighborhood school was a difficult one for us. But, we've been validated in our decision after two kids and multiple years. We know that our kids are thriving, loving school as I never remember it. Academically, they benefit from the strong peer group, the love of learning shared by their fellow students, small class sizes, and strong teachers. Our kids are getting an excellent education that reinforces the values we teach at home on the importance of having curious minds, combined with the ability to use those minds to explore new qustions.
--Submitted by a parent

SCDS: (a) has the most academically talented K-8 student body in the area, (b) has a roster of experienced, highly motivated and talented teachers and (c) is clearly focused on its particular mission. The school is strongest in the 4-5 division, where there are a few legendary teachers. This isn't to fault the K-3 or 6-8 divisions - the latter is just a tricky age for kids. The only significant weakness to the school (if it's fair to attribute to the school) is that some parents are a little too used to always getting what their way in life, and do things like post 1-star reviews of a school they're willing to pay $40,000+ to educate three kids.
--Submitted by a parent

SCDS is a great school academically. The teachers are passionate and really engage the kids. The administrations often really misses the boat in terms of engaging the wide-ranging talents of the parent community. It's like they are afraid the parents are going to try to take over, so they keep them at arms length. In the meantime, they pay competent people for advice when they have leaders in that field in their midst!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter was at another excellent independent school in Seattle, but academically, the fit was incompatible. Since moving to SCDS, we are constantly amazed at the depth of learning, the innovative teaching styles, and the dynamic approach to academics that makes learning incredibly fun. My daughter is so much more engaged and excited every day at SCDS. In addition, the school offers skiing in the winter, as well as several after-school sports and activities. We simply could not be happier.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a grandparent of three children at SCDS. I had a career as a public school teacher with a specialty in working with highly capable youth. SCDS engages its students intellectually and models compassion and empathy. Art is taken as seriously as reading and math. My grandchildren are eager to participate in science. Teacher/parent communication is on-going.

We have 3 kids at SCDS. The school has wonderful teachers and some truly amazing classes, but it is hampered by an ineffective administration. A particular problem has been bullying and harassment, which has caused several students recently to leave the school. The school lacks a clearly defined policy on bullying, and its efforts to address the problem, which involves mostly students apologizing to one another, have proven ineffective. While the parent community is quite active, it doesn't really have a say in how the school is run - instead, the administration seems to look to parents mostly for volunteering and contributing money.
--Submitted by a parent

As a whole, SCDS is a great choise with the great selection of teachers and kids!
--Submitted by a parent